'体味' (tǐ wèi) literally combines '体' (tǐ), meaning 'body', and '味' (wèi), meaning 'smell' or 'odor'. Together, it refers specifically to the natural scent produced by the human body—commonly known in English as 'body odor'. This odor arises primarily from bacterial breakdown of sweat, especially in warm, moist areas like the armpits or feet. While all people have some degree of body odor, its intensity varies due to factors such as genetics, diet, hygiene, and hormonal changes.

The term is neutral and clinical in tone, frequently used in health education, medical contexts, and personal care discussions. It’s not inherently negative—unlike colloquial expressions like '臭味' (chòu wèi, 'stink')—but can carry mild social connotations when discussing etiquette or grooming. In everyday speech, people may refer to it indirectly ('身上有味道') or use more euphemistic terms like '汗味' (hàn wèi, 'sweat smell'), but '体味' remains the standard, precise term for the physiological phenomenon.